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Commission adopts new public comment rules: three-minute limit, work‑session comment allowed
Summary
The commission codified a public comment policy reducing individual time from five to three minutes, maintaining an initial 30-minute public comment window for non-agenda items (extendable by the mayor or vote), and allowing comment on work session items; the measure passed 4–1.
Staff member Danielle presented a recommended policy manual resolution to formalize practices adopted at a previous governing body retreat: reduce individual public comment time from five to three minutes and maintain an initial 30‑minute cumulative comment window for non‑agenda public comments, extendable by the mayor or by commission vote. The policy change also makes public comment on work session items the default rather than an exception.
Danielle explained the intent and clarified that the 30‑minute limit applies to initial public comment periods for items not on the agenda and is extendable. During questions, a resident (Gary Olds) asked whether a speaker may ask for additional time mid‑comment; staff replied that the governing body may extend time at its prerogative. After discussion and limited public comment the commission approved the policy change 4–1.
A commissioner said the shorter individual time limit has helped meetings move more quickly while still allowing speakers to be heard. Staff will incorporate the adopted language into the city policy manual and the commission will follow the new practice at future meetings.
